“How about Deadeye, Ace, Daisy, and I take the boys around again while you guys rest here for a little longer?” Elise looked to Charlotte. It was easy to see the woman was exhausted and could use the rest. Charlotte started to protest, but Hawk over ruled her.
“Thank you all, that would be great,” Hawk shook the men’s hands without getting up. He didn’t want to disturb Charlotte. The couples each took one of the boys and headed back into the zoo for another go around. An hour later, the twins were getting tired and a little cranky. It was time to head back for them to get their afternoon nap. When they reached the blankets, Charlotte had her head in Hawk’s lap and she was sleeping peacefully. Daisy and Elise tried to get the boys to sit with them so they could rock them to sleep, but they wanted their momma when it was time for sleep. Daisy secretly wondered what they were going to do with the twins when Charlotte was in the hospital having baby Lily. It would be a challenge since the boys were so attached to their mother. Charlotte woke when the boys began to get fussy.
“Oh Hawk, you shouldn’t have let me fall asleep and drool all over you,” Charlotte complained as she sat up to take Joshua in her lap. Hawk reached for Jesse.
“You needed to rest. I don’t mind a little drool,” Hawk chuckled at Charlotte’s frown. He leaned over to place a kiss on her forehead. The twins protested as they are jostled around by their parent’s movements. “It’s really fine, love. I am happy for you to drool all over my lap.” The group began to chuckle as Charlotte shrieked.
“Hawk, watch what you are saying in front of the boys and our friends,” Charlotte’s face was flushed. The other couples were smiling at the antics. “Let’s get these boys in the car. They will be asleep in no time.” Everyone pitched in to gather up the blankets and picnic supplies. As they were loading everything into the cars, Ace’s phone pinged with an incoming message. He had laid his phone down in the driver’s seat. Daisy looked over to see a message from Tank. It read: ‘Green light everything is a go!’ What was that all about? A few minutes later, Ace climbed in the driver’s side. He smiled when he read the message, but still he didn’t let Daisy in on whatever he and Tank were up to. He just slipped his phone into the back pocket of his well-fitting jeans. She felt a little hurt that he wasn’t trusting her with his secret. What was going on? They had been so close lately, so why was he keeping secrets now.
Chapter 27
Daisy and Ace rode in silence as the traveled through Jacksonville. Daisy’s mind was pondering this sudden change in Ace’s behavior and why he was keeping secrets from her. She couldn’t understand why he would be this way after everything they had been through. She really wasn’t paying attention to where they were going as she ran everything through her mind. When the vehicle began to slow down, it pulled her back to reality. Daisy looked out the window and saw they were at Lejeune Memorial Gardens. Daisy turned to look at Ace with surprise on her face.
“We are here,” Ace said softly with a smile on his face. Daisy was beginning to wonder if he had lost his mind. It was getting dark outside. They wouldn’t have enough time to walk through and see everything before it got dark. Daisy didn’t argue though. He seemed to have their whole day planned out and she didn’t want him to be disappointed thinking she didn’t like his plans. She was beginning to get hungry. She hadn’t eaten much lunch while playing with the twins and then they had walked off what they had eaten while at the zoo.
Ace rounded the truck and opened her door. Before she could get out, he leaned in to kiss her. Daisy was surprised, but relished in his deep passionate kiss. Ace took his time savoring her mouth. He explored it with his tongue. Their tongues danced and dueled for several long moments before he finally pulled away. Daisy was breathing hard. It took her a couple of seconds to get herself under control. Ace leaned his forehead on hers. They sat that way for a few moments.
“Ace what’s going on? You have been acting strangely today,” Daisy asked quietly. Ace leaned back to look into her eyes.
“Trust me, okay?” Ace asked. Daisy stared at him intently but finally nodded in agreement. She had to trust him, to have faith that he was doing what was best. Ace helped her out of the vehicle and led her into the gardens. They didn’t have very far to go before they arrived at the Eagle, Globe, and Anchor memorial. It had always held a special place in her heart. Surprisingly, there was a small table with a white table cloth and two chairs. The table was set for two with candles burning casting a soft glow in the waning sunlight.
“What is all this?” Daisy exclaimed. She turned back to look at Ace. He had a huge grin on his face. He took her hand and lead her to the table. When he had her seated, he took the other chair. Daisy noticed movement out of the corner of her eye. She turned to see Tank, Straw, and Wallace headed their way carrying trays. The men placed the trays on the table. They gave Ace a salute before they turned to leave.
“We are having dinner under the stars,” Ace said cryptically without further explanation. He began to uncover the trays and place food on her plate. Daisy was floored. What in the world was this man up to? Why plan all this? They had to have gotten permission for such a thing. Daisy suddenly decided not to ponder on his reasons and just enjoy being with him in such a beautiful setting.
The food was amazing. Ribeye steaks grilled to perfection, baked potatoes, and salad with big fluffy yeast rolls. They enjoyed an easy conversation as they dined. Daisy was stuffed by the time they had finished eating the main course. Then came dessert: chocolate cheesecake with strawberry glaze drizzled over it.
“Ace, I can’t possibly eat all this dessert,” Daisy whined. “I’m going to gain 50 pounds being off work and eating like this.” She frowned at him. He just smiled in return.
“Daisy, I don’t care how much weight you gain. You will always be beautiful to me,” Ace grinned again. When they had finally finished their meal, Ace got up, took her by the hand, and began to lead her toward the entrance of the park. They walked a short distance to the Freedom Fountain. It was beautiful at night. The lights of red, white, and blue were sparkling in the night. They walked slowly looking at the beautiful sight. Ace stopped their progress in front of the flags and turned to look at Daisy. She was focused on him and the intent look in his eyes. They were filled with love and another emotion she couldn’t read, fear? She caught movement out of the corner of her eyes. She turned and saw her brothers: Luke, Rosco, and Beau. They were smiling at her. Then Ace’s team members and their women were all coming to join them in front of the fountain. When she looked back at Ace, he had dropped down on one knee in front of her. He was holding a beautiful large diamond ring in his hand.
“Daisy, you have brought light into my life and given me a vision of the future. A future that I want so much. I know we haven’t been together all that long, but I can’t imagine my life without you. Will you make me the happiest man on the planet and agree to be my wife?” Ace looked up at her expectantly. Daisy was shocked. She had not even considered he was thinking marriage. She had not allowed herself to consider such a thing, but she had been having a recurrent dream over the last few weeks.
She was standing in the kitchen of her home. Her belly was rounded in pregnancy and a toddler was sitting in a highchair eating breakfast. Ace entered the kitchen and told her to sit and rest. He would finish the dishes before heading to base.
In her dream she was so very happy. Happier than she could ever remember feeling. It was an amazing dream. Was it a prediction of their future? Daisy suddenly realized that she hasn’t answered his question. Ace had an uncertain look on his face.
“Yes! Yes, I’ll marry you!” Daisy exclaimed as their friends and family erupted into cheers. Luke came up to the couple to congratulate them. Daisy was too busy kissing her man to be distracted by her brother and Ace’s friends that had joined the couple.
“Congratulations! I’m so happy for you both!” Luke exclaimed when Daisy and Ace finally broke their kiss. Daisy was overwhelmed at the love and support they were getting from their family and friends. Ace had done an amazing job of setting up their engagement dinner. He had planned every detail down to inviting her brothers to be there as well. Daisy was definitely a lucky woman, indeed.
Epilogue
9 months later…
Daisy woke with a start. She had been having the dream again. No, it wasn’t another nightmare/vision. This was a wonderful, happy dream of her holding a black-haired newborn that looked just like his handsome father. Daisy rolled onto her right side to look over at the man that had changed her life for the better. He looked so peaceful when he was sleeping. His face relaxed in slumber and his long dark lashes rested against his tanned face. She wanted to kiss him, but didn’t want to wake him. It was futile to try and slip out of bed, however. He was instantly awake.
“Good morning, sweetheart.” Ace said sleepily. “Are you okay?”
“Yeah, I’m fine, babe,” Daisy replied as she placed the kiss on his lips, she had been wanting to give him. “I’m not the first woman to be pregnant you know.”
“I know, but this isourfirst time being pregnant,” Ace opened his right eye to peer at her. “I know I’m being over protective, but I worry about you.”
Daisy smiled at him to assure him. However, morning sickness hit her in that moment. She leaped from the bed to head into the bathroom. Ace was hot on her heels. It had become their morning routine. Within minutes of waking, Daisy was throwing up bile for several minutes. After it was over, she was fine the rest of the day. Ace had been freaked out the first few mornings, but now he took it all in stride. He patiently held her hair for her. When she was finished, he was standing there with a wet cloth for her face.
“Feel better now?” He inquired as she wiped the sweat from her face. She nodded in response. When she was feeling much better, she rose from the floor of the bathroom and headed to the sink. She rinsed her mouth out and brushed her teeth which again caused nausea, but this morning she managed to not throw up again. Progress. It wasn’t much, but she would take it. Hopefully the morning sickness would be over soon.
They headed down stairs and Ace fixed her some water and saltine crackers. One of the nurses at the obstetrician’s office had told them that eating crackers could settle morning sickness. He had latched on to that and every morning it was the first thing he did when they went down stairs. Daisy smiled to herself. He had been so attentive and loving. She was still amazed at how much her life had changed in the last year or so.
